Scots ‘could back independence within five years’

ANDREW WHITAKER

SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson has said Scotland could vote for independence in a second referendum within five years if David Cameron fails to deliver on promises for greater devolution and imposes more cuts north of the border.

Mr Robertson warned that if the UK government attempted to pull back on the pledge to hand Holyrood the radical package of powers set out in the closing stages of last year’s referendum that there could be a fresh vote on independence.

The Moray MP also suggested that if Mr Cameron pressed ahead with more austerity that it could lead to pressure for a fresh vote on independence as he said the Tories, who have just one MP in Scotland, have no mandate for such a programme.

Mr Robertson, asked whether he believed there could be a second referendum and a Yes vote before the end of the Prime Minister’s second term, said: “I think that largely lies with David Cameron. He has to make a decision as to how he is going to approach governing Scotland with only one MP, having made a cast-iron promise and an undertaking to deliver on more powers for the Scottish parliament and the voters.”

He added: “Do I believe that in the future there will be further moves towards Scottish self-government? Yes, I do. Do I believe that there will in time be a growing desire in Scotland for independence? Yes, I do. Do I believe that in time there will be a referendum when the public wants it on independence and that there will be a Yes result? Yes, I do.”